Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

How is speed calculated for an object moving a distance over time?

1. Speed = Distance × Time

2. Speed = Distance / Time

3. Speed = Time / Distance

4. Speed = Distance + Time

The correct answer is: Speed = Distance / Time

Speed is calculated as the total distance an object travels divided by the time it takes to travel that distance. This relationship is grounded in the fundamental definition of speed in physics, which describes how quickly an object is moving. Essentially, speed provides a measure of how far something has gone in a specific period. When you divide distance by time, you get a value that represents how many units of distance the object covers in a unit of time, such as meters per second or miles per hour. This calculation is straightforward and integral to understanding motion, making it essential for many practical applications, such as determining travel time or speed limits. Other formulas presented do not correctly represent the relationships involved in calculating speed. For example, multiplying distance and time would erroneously suggest that speed increases unboundedly as either variable grows, which is contrary to the uniform principles of motion. In contrast, adding distance and time offers no meaningful outcome regarding speed, as it combines two different types of measurements without delivering any information about motion. Thus, the formula for speed being distance divided by time is the only correct mathematical representation of this concept.